Best Cities in Portugal for Expats

Lisbon’s vibrant culture and Madeira’s island charm are just a few of what Portugal has to offer for expats. Portugal is a popular destination for expats, offering diverse cities that cater to every lifestyle, whether you’re a digital nomad, relocating with your family, or retiring.

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Are you planning to move to Portugal from abroad but don’t know which cities to consider? Are you curious which areas are best for families, retirees, or remote workers? Are you concerned about the varying costs between locations?

This article explores the best cities in Portugal for expats. We’ll cover lifestyle, housing, healthcare, and cost of living in Portugal. We’ll also go over why securing international health insurance is essential for a smooth transition when moving to a new country.

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Top Cities to Live In Portugal for Expats

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Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Faro are just a few of the many cities in Portugal that expats love. Portugal’s cities offer a mix of modern amenities and old-world charm as well as sun, safety, and affordability. Let’s explore the top cities in Portugal for expats.

Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and a hub for culture, tech, and international business. It’s ideal for expats seeking a vibrant lifestyle with access to modern amenities. While housing is pricier in Lisbon than in other cities, the city offers excellent public transport and walkable neighborhoods.

Healthcare in Lisbon is highly accessible. Public hospitals offer quality care, but wait times can be long. Private clinics provide faster service and are popular among expats. If you’re an EU citizen, you can access public care easily, but non-EU expats often prefer private options.

Porto

Porto is known for its wine, architecture, and riverside views. Compared to Lisbon, Porto is a more relaxed city with a lower cost of living. Housing is affordable, safe, walkable, and has a strong expat community.

Healthcare in Porto is reliable, with well-equipped public hospitals and private clinics offering faster appointments. Expats can access public healthcare with a resident permit, but many expats opt for private healthcare to avoid delays.

Coimbra

Coimbra was Portugal’s medieval capital for more than 100 years, and it is home to the country’s oldest and most prestigious university—the University of Coimbra. This city has a low cost yet high quality of living and has an established expat population.

This city is particularly popular for retirees and international students, as housing is budget-friendly, compact, and easy to navigate. The city also has excellent healthcare, with a large public hospital and several private clinics.

Faro

Faro, the main city in the Algarve southern region, is a favorite among retirees as it offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed pace of life. Housing is affordable, and the cost of living is lower than in Lisbon and Porto.

While public healthcare is available to residents in Faro, and it is more affordable, many expats choose private healthcare for quicker access and English-speaking staff. Expats opt for private health insurance to complement public care and reduce wait times.

Tomar

Tomar is a historic gem in Central Portugal, known for its medieval charm and the UNESCO-listed Convento de Cristo. It’s ideal for expats seeking a peaceful lifestyle with cultural depth.

Housing is very affordable, with traditional homes available. Public healthcare is accessible, but private clinics in nearby cities offer faster service. Expats enjoy the quiet pace and low cost of living in Tomar.

Aveiro

Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is a coastal city with canals, colorful boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. It’s vibrant and ideal for families and digital nomads, especially since housing is reasonably priced in suburban areas.

Healthcare in Aveiro includes a public hospital and private clinics. Expats benefit from good access to care and a growing international community in this city.

Cascais

Cascais is a luxurious seaside town near Lisbon, popular with expats for its beaches, safety, and cosmopolitan vibe. It offers upscale living with a relaxed atmosphere. Housing is more expensive, but the quality is high.

Healthcare is excellent, with private clinics and proximity to Lisbon’s hospitals. Expats enjoy a large, active international community. Cascais is also known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly amenities, making the city a popular choice for expat families.

Évora

Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Alentejo region known for Roman ruins and a tranquil lifestyle. It’s ideal for retirees and academics seeking peace and culture. Housing is affordable, with many historic homes available.

Healthcare includes a public hospital and private clinics. While public care is accessible, private providers offer faster service. Évora’s slower pace and rich history attract those looking for a quiet, meaningful life.

Chaves

Chaves is a northern town famous for its thermal baths and Roman architecture. It’s perfect for budget-conscious expats seeking wellness and nature. Housing is extremely affordable, and the town is peaceful and scenic.

Healthcare includes a public hospital and wellness centers. Private care is limited, so many expats travel to larger cities for specialized treatment. Chaves is ideal for retirees and those seeking a rural lifestyle.

Madeira

Madeira is an island paradise with stunning landscapes and a mild climate. It’s popular with retirees and remote workers seeking a peaceful lifestyle. Housing is affordable, especially outside Funchal.

Healthcare includes public hospitals and private clinics. Public care is accessible, but private options offer faster service. Madeira’s natural beauty and strong expat community make it a top choice for island living.

Lagos

Lagos is a beach town in the Algarve with a lively expat scene. It’s ideal for those who love sun, surf, and social life. Housing is affordable, especially in the off-season, and the town is walkable and full of charm.

Healthcare includes clinics and access to nearby hospitals. Public care is available, but private providers are preferred by many expats for convenience and speed. Lagos is popular with younger expats and retirees alike.

Setúbal

Setúbal is a port city with stunning nature and a relaxed vibe. It’s close to Lisbon but more affordable, making it ideal for families and retirees. Housing is budget-friendly, and the cost of living is low.

Healthcare includes public hospitals and private clinics. Expats enjoy a mix of urban and coastal living. Setúbal’s seafood, beaches, and friendly locals make it a hidden gem for relocation.

Silver Coast

The Silver Coast includes towns like Nazaré, Peniche, and Figueira da Foz. It’s ideal for expats who love surfing, nature, and affordability. Housing is affordable, especially in smaller towns along the coast.

Healthcare includes public hospitals and clinics. Private care is less common but available in larger towns. The Silver Coast offers a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to beaches and outdoor activities.

What Living Costs Are Like in Portugal

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Portugal has one of the most affordable costs of living among Western European countries. While Lisbon and Cascais are more expensive, cities like Chaves, Tomar, and Aveiro are more budget-friendly.

When comparing the living costs of other cities, the cost of living in Portugal is 45% lower than in London and 33% lower than in New York. Essentials like housing, food, and transport are significantly cheaper.

Life in Portugal makes it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a better lifestyle. This is because of lower average wages and a cost structure that reflects local income levels. Despite this, the quality of life remains high, with excellent public services and healthcare.

Healthcare and Insurance for Expats in Portugal

Portugal offers high-quality public healthcare through the SNS system. Legal residents can access it, but wait times may be long. Private healthcare is faster and more flexible, making it a preferred choice for many expats.

Public healthcare is affordable and covers most basic services. However, it may lack English-speaking staff and quick access to specialists, especially in smaller towns. Private healthcare offers shorter wait times, modern facilities, and multilingual staff.

International health insurance is recommended for non-EU expats. It ensures access to private care, covers emergencies, and provides peace of mind during travel or relocation.

Moving To Portugal? Pacific Prime Can Help

Relocating to Portugal is exciting, but navigating healthcare can be complex. Pacific Prime helps expats find the right insurance plan tailored to their needs and budget. Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or moving with family, Pacific Prime compares plans and simplifies the process.

Our advisors guide you every step of the way. With access to global insurers and local insights, you get coverage that fits your budget and healthcare preferences, from expat insurance, family insurance, and international health insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can expats use Portugal’s public healthcare system?

Legal residents can access public healthcare in Portugal. EU citizens use their EHIC card while non-EU expats need a residence permit. Public care is affordable but may involve long wait times.

Is private health insurance mandatory in Portugal?

Private health insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended in Portugal. Private insurance gives faster access to care, English-speaking doctors, and coverage for services not included in public healthcare.

What visa do I need to move to Portugal?

EU citizens don’t need a visa to move to Portugal. Non-EU expats can apply for the D7 visa (retirees/passive income), D8 visa (digital nomads), or Golden Visa (investment-based residency).

How much does health insurance cost in Portugal?

Basic private health insurance starts around €30–€50/month (USD $35–$58). Comprehensive international plans vary based on age, coverage, and provider.

Can I get health insurance before arriving in Portugal?

It’s often required that individuals moving to Portugal get health insurance before they apply for a visa. Pacific Prime helps expats secure international coverage before arrival, ensuring a smooth transition and peace of mind.

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Grace Dandan

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Grace is a content creator with over 7 years of experience in the digital marketing space. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from De La Salle University, which provided her with foundational skills in news writing, TV and film production, photography, and media. She has worked in different industries, including journalism, editorial, social work, fintech, beauty and eCommerce, providing a variety of digital works not limited to social media content, blogs, articles and presentation decks.

At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.

In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.